Notre Dame will confer seven honorary degrees at this year’s commencement ceremony, the University announced in a press release Thursday. Rita Colwell, a molecular microbiologist, will receive a doctor of science honorary degree. Colwell, whose work focuses on global infectious diseases, water and health will join six previously announced honorary degree recipients.
Colwell is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, the release stated.
“A highly sought-after counselor on science policy and education matters, she has held advisory positions within government, nonprofit science policy organizations, private foundations and the international scientific research community,” the release stated. “The author or co-author of 17 books and more than 800 scientific publications, she has been awarded 61 honorary degrees.”
